Systems and methods to provide views of virtual content in an interactive space

ABSTRACT

A system configured to provide views of virtual content in an interactive space may comprise one or more of a light source, an optical element, one or more physical processor, non-transitory electronic storage, and/or other components. The optical element being configured to provide light emitted from the light source into one or more eyes of a user. The non-transitory electronic storage may be configured to store virtual content information defining virtual content. The virtual content may include one or more of a virtual gallery, one or more virtual objects, and/or other virtual content. The virtual gallery may comprise a set of supports. The virtual gallery may be configured to simulate removable engagement of individual virtual objects to individual supports.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The system and methods described herein relate to providing views ofvirtual content in an interactive space.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

There are many types of vision systems that provide interactive spaces.Interactive spaces may include one or more of virtual reality (VR)environments, augmented reality (AR) environments, and/or otherinteractive spaces. In particular, wearable technology such as headmounted displays (HMD) are used.

SUMMARY

The systems and methods described herein facilitate providing views ofvirtual content (e.g., virtual objects in the form of three dimensionaldigital imagery) in an interactive space. The interactive space mayinclude one or more of a virtual reality environment, an augmentedreality environment, and/or other interactive spaces. An “augmentedreality environment,” as used herein, may refer to a space thatrepresents a virtual environment that may be superimposed over aperspective of a physical real-world environment around a user. Anaugmented reality environment may include attributes of a virtualenvironment, including virtual objects superimposed over portions of thephysical environment. In some implementations, an augmented realityenvironment may represent physical objects in the physical world asvirtual objects in the augmented environment. A virtual realityenvironment may refer to a space that includes the virtual environment.In the context of interactive spaces, the terms “space” and“environment” may be used interchangeably herein.

In some implementations, a system configured to provide views of virtualcontent in an interactive space may comprise one or more of one or morelight sources, one or more optical elements, non-transitory electronicstorage, one or more physical processors, and/or other components. Alight source may be configured to emit light. An optical element may beconfigured to provide light emitted from the light source to an eye of auser to generate a perceived three-dimensional light field within afield of view of the user. The perception of the light field with theuser's field of view may generate an interactive space, including anaugmented reality space.

The non-transitory electronic storage may be configured to store virtualcontent information and/or other information. The virtual contentinformation may define virtual content and/or other information. Thevirtual content may include a virtual gallery and/or other virtualobjects. The virtual gallery may comprise a set of supports and/or othercomponents. Individual ones of the supports may be positioned atdiscrete locations on the virtual gallery. The virtual gallery may beconfigured to simulate removable engagement of individual virtualobjects to the individual supports. The user may perceive the virtualobject as being supported by the supports similar to physical items maybe perceived to be supported within shelves.

The one or more physical processors may be configured bymachine-readable instructions. Executing the machine-readableinstructions may cause the one or more physical processors to facilitateproviding views of virtual content in an interactive space. Themachine-readable instructions may include one or more computing programcomponents. The computer program components may include one or more of acontrol component, an input component, a mode component, and/or othercomponents.

The control component may be configured to control the light source togenerate views of virtual content. The views may be generated by formingimages of the virtual content. The virtual content may be perceived bythe viewing user as being present within the three-dimensional lightfield. By way of non-limiting illustration, the light source may becontrolled to generate one or more of a view of an instance of thevirtual gallery, a view of an instance of a first virtual object, and/orother views of other virtual content. The first virtual object may beperceived as being removably attached to a first support in the set ofsupports of the virtual gallery.

The input component may be configured to obtain user input formanipulating virtual content in an interactive space. The user input maycomprise gesture based input and/or other input.

The mode component may be configured to determine operational modes ofthe virtual gallery. In some implementations, an operational mode of thevirtual gallery may correspond to enablement or disablement of a featureof removable attachment of individual virtual objects to individualsupports of the virtual gallery. In some implementations, individualoperational modes of the virtual gallery may be determined based onpositional state of the virtual gallery.

These and other objects, features, and characteristics of the presentdisclosure, as well as the methods of operation and functions of therelated components of structure and the combination of parts andeconomies of manufacture, will become more apparent upon considerationof the following description and the appended claims with reference tothe accompanying drawings, all of which form a part of thisspecification, wherein like reference numerals designate correspondingparts in the various figures. It is to be expressly understood, however,that the drawings are for the purpose of illustration and descriptiononly and are not intended as a definition of the any limits. As used inthe specification and in the claims, the singular form of “a”, “an”, and“the” include plural referents unless the context clearly dictatesotherwise.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates a system configured to provide views of virtualcontent in an interactive space, in accordance with one or moreimplementations.

FIG. 2 illustrates a virtual gallery within an interactive space.

FIG. 3 illustrates a virtual gallery within an interactive space.

FIG. 4 illustrates a virtual gallery within an interactive space.

FIG. 5 illustrates a user and a virtual gallery within an interactivespace.

FIG. 6 illustrates a user and a virtual gallery within an interactivespace.

FIG. 7 illustrates a user and a virtual gallery within an interactivespace.

FIG. 8 illustrates a user and a virtual gallery within an interactivespace.

FIG. 9 illustrates a user and a virtual gallery within an interactivespace.

FIG. 10 illustrates an exemplary arrangement of a light source and anoptical element configured to generate images forming views of virtualcontent within an interactive space.

FIG. 11 illustrates a method to provide views of virtual content in aninteractive space, in accordance with one or more implementations.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1 shows a system 100 configured to provide views of virtual contentin an interactive space. The interactive space may include one or moreof a virtual reality environment, an augmented reality environment,and/or other interactive spaces. An “augmented reality environment,” asused herein, may refer to a space that represents a virtual environmentthat may be superimposed over a perspective of a physical real-worldenvironment around a user. An augmented reality environment may includeattributes of a virtual environment, including virtual objectssuperimposed over portions of the physical environment. In someimplementations, an augmented reality environment may represent physicalobjects in the physical world as virtual objects in the augmentedenvironment. A virtual reality environment may refer to a space thatincludes the virtual environment. In the context of interactive spaces,the terms “space” and “environment” may be used interchangeably herein.

The human perceptual system has the ability to combine various sensorycues in an efficient manner in order to perceive physically plausiblevirtual content in real-world space. For example, the human perceptualsystem has the ability to integrate, among other things, sensory cuessuch as one or more of luminance, depth, and/or shape information toform or perceive coherent virtual content in the real-world. As aresult, the properties of the human perception may be exploited throughvisual systems, as described herein, employing hardware and/or softwarearchitectures to form virtual content (e.g., via digital images) thatmay be located and/or perceived to be located in real-world space byvirtue of the principles of the depth sensitive modules of the humanbrain.

The system 100 may include one or more of one or more physicalprocessors 104, one or more distancing devices 120, one or more lightsources 122, one or more optical elements 124, and/or other components.In some implementations, one or more components of system 100 may beincorporated in a headset (not shown in FIG. 1) configured to beinstalled (e.g., worn) in the head of a user, and/or other devices. Theheadset may comprise one or more of an head-mounted display (HMD),glasses, goggles, and/or other devices. By way of non-limitingillustration, one or more optical elements 124 may comprise at leastpart of a visor of an HMD. In some implementations, one or morecomponents of system 100 may be included in one or more devices externalto a headset. For example, one or more components may be included in oneor more of a desktop computer, a laptop computer, other mobile computerconfigurations, and/or other computing devices. By way of non-limitingillustration, one or more physical processors 104 and/or othercomponents may be included in a mobile computing device external to aheadset. The headset may be tethered and/or otherwise connected to theone or more external devices. Such connection may be wired (e.g., USB,HDMI, and/or other wired connections) and/or wireless (e.g., Bluetooth,Wi-Fi, and/or other wireless connections).

In some implementations, individual light sources of one or more lightsources 122 may comprise one or more of a liquid crystal display (LCD),a light emitting diode (LED) display, surface-conductionelectron-emitter display (SED), a plasma display, a transparent organiclight emitting diode (OLED) display, a MEMS mirror based display, liquidcrystal on silicon (LCoS) display, digital light projector (DLP), alaser, an RGB laser, and/or other light sources. An individual lightsource may comprise an array of addressable optical components.Individual optical components may be individually controllable to impactone or more aspects of light to create digital images. By way ofnon-limiting illustration, individual optical components of a displaymay be individually controllable to impact one or more oftransmissivity, brightness, generation, reflection, refraction, and/orother aspects of light to create images.

In some implementations, one or more light sources 122 may be positionedrelative to one or more optical elements 124, such that light emittedfrom one or more light sources 122 may be reflected by one or moreoptical elements 124 to one or more eyes of the user. In someimplementations, a set of components comprising at least one lightsource and at least one optical element may be referred to as an“image-forming component.”

An optical element may comprise one or more reflective, or partiallyreflective surfaces on a visor. An optical element may be formed from areflective or partially reflective material. A reflective and/orpartially reflective material may comprise one or more of ZEONEX,polycarbonate, PMMA, and/or other materials. The user may perceive thereflected light as virtual content in a perceived three-dimensionallight field within their field-of-view. In some implementations, controlof position and/or light generation of individual light sources 122 mayimpact one or more aspects of a perceived three-dimensional light fieldand/or virtual content within the perceived the three-dimensional lightfield. One or more aspects of a perceived three-dimensional light fieldmay include one or more of a perceived distance of the three-dimensionallight field from the user, a depth of the perceived three-dimensionallight field, and/or other aspects of the three-dimensional light field.One or more aspects of virtual content within a three-dimensional lightfield may include one or more of a perceived distance of the virtualcontent from a user, a depth of the virtual content, a size of thevirtual content, and/or other aspects of the virtual content. Forexample, in some implementations, moving a position of an individuallight source closer to an optical element may cause virtual content tobe perceived closer to the user; while moving the position of theindividual light source farther from the optical element may cause thevirtual content to be perceived farther from the user.

In some implementations, individual optical elements of one or moreoptical elements 124 may comprise a waveguide and/or other components. Awaveguide may include one or more of a layered waveguide, a planarpartial mirror array waveguide, a diffractive waveguide, a diffractivewaveguide including Bragg gratings, a free form surface prism, and/orother waveguides. In some implementations, a waveguide may includeand/or may be coupled with optical coupling features configured tocouple light rays into the waveguide. Light rays coupled into awaveguide may be propagated through the waveguide and directed out ofthe waveguide toward one or more eyes of a user.

In some implementations, one or more optical elements 124 may bearranged on a headset such that light rays generated by one or morelight sources 122 may be directed at one or more optical elements 124,coupled into one or more optical elements 124, and directed out of oneor more optical elements 124 into an eye of a user. The images ofvirtual content may be projected onto a retina of the eye such that theimages may be superimposed over the user's view of the real world.

By way of non-limiting illustration, FIG. 10 shows an exemplaryconfiguration of a light source 1002 and an optical element 1004 forgenerating virtual content 1008 to be perceived within athree-dimensional light field 1010. In some implementations, one or moreof light source 1002, optical element 1004, and/or other components maybe incorporated into a headset, and/or other devices. FIG. 10 shows alight beam 1012 emitted from light source 1002. In some implementations,light beam 1012 may reflect off optical element 1004 into a user's eye1006. In some implementations, light beam 1012 may be coupled intooptical element 1004, propagated through optical element 1004, anddirected out of optical element 1004 into eye 1006. The light beam 1012may be part of light generated by light source 1002 to depict a digitalimage that may correspond to virtual content 1008 to be perceived withinthe user's field of view. In some implementations, position of lightsource 1002 may be incrementally adjusted to obtain incrementaladjustments to a perceived range of virtual content 1008 withinthree-dimensional light field 1010. In some implementations, the depthand/or bounds of three-dimensional light field 1010 may be limited by anadjustable range of light source 1002 closer to and/or farther fromoptical element 1004.

It is noted that the configuration in FIG. 10 illustrates an arrangementof components to present images forming views of virtual content to oneeye of a user. In a headset, a second arrangement may be provided andarranged so that a second set of images may be presented to the othereye. The images presented to both eyes may comprise stereo image pairs.

Returning to FIG. 1, one or more physical processors 104 may includeand/or may be coupled to non-transitory electronic storage media 114and/or other components. The non-transitory electronic storage media 114may be configured to store virtual content information and/or otherinformation. Virtual content information may define virtual content.Virtual content may be defined based on one or more of size, shape,color, geometry, functionality, and/or other defining aspects. In someimplementations, virtual content may include one or more of one or morevirtual galleries, one or more virtual docks, one or more virtualobjects, and/or other virtual content.

A virtual gallery may comprise a virtual object perceived to be presentin the real-world environment. The virtual gallery may be configured tobe perceived as holding one or more virtual objects. The virtual gallerymay be configured to be manipulated in an interactive space. In someimplementations, the virtual gallery may include a virtual handle and/orother component that may facilitate user interaction with the virtualgallery. By way of non-limiting illustration, the virtual gallery may berotatable, translatable, expandable, contractible, and/or may bemanipulated in an interactive space in other ways. In someimplementations, manipulation of a virtual gallery in an interactivespace may be based on user input and/or other input (see, e.g., inputcomponent 110).

A virtual gallery may be configured as a user interface and/or userinterface tool within the interactive space for functional organizationof virtual objects and/or representations of virtual objects utilizedwithin the interactive space. In some virtual and/or augmented realitysystems, the virtual objects perceived and/or manipulated by a user maysimply be placed or positioned in three-dimensional space such that theymay appear as “floating” in space until the user utilizes them onceagain. This apparent lack of organization may be frustrating for someusers. The virtual gallery may be configured through its shape, form,and/or other features to provide a user with an tool for which virtualobjects and/or representations of virtual objects may be mounted,stacked, stored, and/or organized in other ways. Further, manipulationor movement of the virtual gallery itself may allow a user to manipulateor move multiple virtual objects at once by virtue of their simulatedattachment to the virtual gallery. In some implementations, the virtualgallery may have a form that depicts known real-world objects used forreal-world organizational purposes, such as one or more of a briefcase,a shelf, a cabinet, a dresser, a night stand, and/or other real-worldobjects.

In some implementations, a virtual gallery may be perceived as avoluminous body. For example, the virtual gallery may be perceived ashaving a visibly perceivable height, thickness, width, and/or otherdimension. In some implementations, a virtual gallery may be perceivedas having little or no volume. For example, the virtual gallery may beformed from a set of line segments such that a height and/or width maybe perceivable, but the virtual gallery may have no perceivablethickness.

A virtual dock may comprise a virtual object perceived to be present inthe real-world environment. The virtual dock may be configured such thata virtual gallery may be mountable upon the virtual dock. The virtualdock may be configured to be manipulated in an interactive space. By wayof non-limiting illustration, the virtual dock may be rotatable,translatable, expandable, contractible, and/or may be manipulated in aninteractive space in other ways. In some implementations, manipulationof a virtual dock in an interactive space may be based on user inputand/or other input (see, e.g., input component 110). A virtual gallerymounted upon a virtual dock may appear as being “locked” to the virtualdock. By way of non-limiting illustration, in a “locked” state, avirtual gallery may not be moved on its own by a user within theinteractive space. By way of non-limiting illustration, manipulation ofa virtual dock having a virtual gallery mounted thereon may cause boththe virtual dock and virtual gallery to be manipulated in unison. Avirtual gallery locked to a virtual dock may cause the virtual galleryand the virtual dock to act like a single rigid object.

In some implementations, a virtual gallery may comprise a set ofsupports and/or other components. The set of supports may be perceivedas “shelves” on which virtual object may be mounted, placed, and/orotherwise held. One or more virtual objects depicted as being held by avirtual gallery may be depicted as being located on an individualsupport of the virtual gallery. Individual supports may be positioned atdiscrete locations on the virtual gallery. For example, the set ofsupports may be arranged with regular spacing on the virtual gallery,and/or arranged in other ways. In some implementations, the set ofsupports may include at least one support. Individual supports may bedistinctly visible on a virtual gallery. For example, an individualsupport may be visually represented as a shelf where one or more virtualobjects may be placed. Individual supports may have other shapes and/orforms.

A virtual gallery may be configured to simulate removable attachment ofindividual virtual objects to individual supports of the virtualgallery. When attached, the virtual object may be referred to as beingin an “attached state.” In some implementations, attachment of a virtualobject to a support may comprise at least one surface of the virtualobject simulating a contact with at least one surface of a givensupport. In some implementations, attachment of a virtual object to asupport may comprise at least one surface of the virtual object beingwithin a threshold distance from at least one surface of a givensupport. By way of non-limiting illustration, a virtual object may be“attached” to a support yet may be visually represented as “hovering”over the support by the threshold distance, and/or other distances. Whena virtual object is in an attached state attached to a support of avirtual gallery, the virtual object may move with the virtual gallery asthe virtual gallery is manipulated within an interactive space.

In some implementations, a detachment of a virtual object from a supportof a virtual gallery may be facilitated based on the virtual objectbeing moved away from the virtual gallery. In some implementations, whena virtual object is detached from a support, changes in position (e.g.,also referred to as “positional state”) of the virtual object may befacilitated. Changing positional state of individual virtual objects maybe based on user input and/or other input (see, e.g., input component110). In some implementations, a detachment of virtual object from asupport may require an amount of simulated “force” to be applied to thevirtual object. Application of simulated force to individual virtualobjects may be based on user input and/or other input (see, e.g., inputcomponent 110).

Individual virtual objects may be defined by one or more of size, shape,color, surface indicia, functionality, and/or other defining aspects. Insome implementations, shapes of virtual objects may include one or moreof spherical, planar, two- or three-dimensional polyhedron, and/or othershapes. Surface indicia on a virtual object may include one or more oftext, graphics, images, and/or other indicia. In some implementations,surface indicia on a virtual object may identify the virtual object.

In some implementations, individual virtual objects may be associatedwith one or more application programs. An individual virtual object maybe associated with an individual application program by virtue of theindividual virtual object providing an interface to the individualapplication program. An application program may include one or more of aweb-browser, a video game, a word processor, a three-dimensional objectfile, a gallery of application programs, a virtual desktop, applicationsrunning on a virtual desktop, personal contacts, a presentationgeneration program, one or more software-enabled applications used in aninteractive space, and/or other application programs.

By way of non-limiting illustration, a first virtual object may beassociated with a first application program. The first virtual objectmay comprise a planar-shaped virtual object and/or other virtual object.The first application program may comprise a web browser and/or otherapplication program. The first virtual object may be configured todepict a web browser interface. The first virtual object may beconfigured to be presented in front of a user as an interface to accessto the Internet. Input into the web browser may be provided by userinput and/or other input (see, e.g., input component 110).

Individual virtual objects may be of one or more virtual object types.In some implementations, virtual object types may include one or more ofa single-instance type, a multi-instance type, and/or other objecttypes.

An instance of a single-instance type virtual object may be a standaloneinstance of the virtual object within an interactive space. The instanceof the single-instance type virtual object may persist as the standaloneinstance of the virtual object within the interactive space. By way ofnon-limiting illustration, removal of an instance of an individualvirtual object of a single-instance type from an attachment with anindividual support may facilitate changes in positional state of theindividual instance of the individual virtual object. That is, theinstance of the individual virtual object may be perceived as beingremoved from attachment and/or manipulated in the interactive space inother ways.

In some implementations, an instance of a single-instance type virtualobject associated with an application program may maintain state of theapplication program. The state of the application program may be changedbased on user input (e.g., input into a web browser causing a webpage tobe loaded). The instance of the single-instance type virtual object may“save” the state of the application program. That is, the state of theapplication program may persist with the instance of the single-instancetype virtual object.

An instance of a multi-instance type virtual object may facilitategenerating other instances of the virtual object within an interactivespace. The instance of the multi-instance type virtual object maypersist as one of many instances of the virtual object within theinteractive space. By way of non-limiting illustration, removal of aninstance of an individual virtual object of a multi-instance type (the“initial” virtual object) from an attachment with an individual supportmay cause the instance of the individual virtual object of themulti-instance type to be perceived as maintaining the attachment withthe individual support, but may cause one or more other instances of theindividual virtual object to be generated. The generation of an otherinstance may be perceived as if it were being drawn out from, or copiedfrom, the initial instance of the individual virtual object of themulti-instance type. The other instance of the virtual object may bemanipulated in the interactive space such that changes in positionalstate of the other instance of the individual virtual object may befacilitated, while the initial instance of the virtual object may remainattached to the support. In some implementations, the other instance ofthe individual virtual object may be another multi-instance type virtualobject or a single-instance type virtual object.

In some implementations, individual virtual objects may be associatedwith one or more other virtual objects. In some implementations, avirtual object may be associated with one or more other virtual objectsbased on the virtual object facilitating generation of views of the oneor more other virtual objects. By way of non-limiting illustration, afirst virtual object may be associated with a second virtual objectand/or other virtual objects. The association may be based on a view ofthe second virtual object being generated in response to the firstvirtual object achieving a threshold positional state (e.g., withrespect to a virtual gallery and/or other reference point). In someimplementations, generation of the view of the second virtual object maycause a view of the first virtual object to be removed. For example,when the first virtual object achieves a first positional state (e.g., aperceived location within three-dimensional space with respect to avirtual gallery, the user, and/or other reference point), the firstvirtual object may disappear and a view of the second virtual object maybe generated. The second virtual object may be generated to appear atthe same perceived location (e.g., having the same positional state)and/or one or more other locations. The first virtual object may beconsidered a “generic” form of the second virtual object. The firstvirtual object may have a generic shape, e.g., a sphere, which may bemore easily manipulated in the interactive space. The first virtualobject may take up less space when mounted onto a virtual gallery. Thefirst virtual object may act as a surrogate of the second virtualobject.

In some implementations, state of an application program associated withan instance of a single-instance type virtual object may persist withinstances of other virtual objects that may be associated with theinstance of the single-instance type virtual object. By way ofnon-limiting illustration using the above example of the first virtualobject associated with the second virtual object, an application programassociated with the first virtual object may become associated with thesecond virtual object once the second virtual object is generated andthe first virtual object disappears. A state of the application programassociated with the first virtual object may persist to the secondvirtual object once generated. For example, a particular web page of aninternet browser application associated with the first virtual objectmay also be associated with the second virtual object.

FIG. 2 illustrates a view of virtual content within an interactive space200. The virtual content may include one or more of a virtual gallery201, one or more virtual objects, a virtual dock 203, and/or othervirtual content. The one or more virtual objects may include one or moreof a first virtual object 218, a second virtual object 220, a thirdvirtual object 222, a fourth virtual object 224, a fifth virtual object221, a sixth virtual object 223, and/or other virtual objects. In someimplementations, individual virtual objects may be represented asspheres as a generic shape, and/or other shapes. The depiction of thevirtual objects as star shapes is provided for illustrative purposesonly and is not to be considered limiting.

In some implementations, virtual gallery 201 may include one or more ofa set of supports, a handle 230, and/or other components. The set ofsupports may include one or more of a first support 202, a secondsupport 204, a third support 206, a fourth support 208, and/or othersupports. Individual virtual objects may be removably attachable toindividual supports. By way of non-limiting illustration, one or more offirst virtual object 218, second virtual object 220, third virtualobject 222, fourth virtual object 224, and/or other virtual objects maybe removably attached to first support 202. By way of non-limitingillustration, one or more of fifth virtual object 221, sixth virtualobject 223, and/or other virtual objects may be removably attached tofourth support 208. It is noted that the depicted attachments areprovided for illustrative purposes only and are not to be consideredlimiting. For example, individual virtual objects may be removed fromindividual supports, attached to other supports, positioned withinthree-dimensional space, and/or may be manipulated in other ways.

The handle 230 may provide a perceived grabbable portion of virtualgallery 201. For example, moving the virtual gallery 201 withininteractive space 200 may be facilitated by user input comprisegesture-based input of “grabbing” handle 230 and moving virtual gallery201 as desired (see, e.g., discussion of input component 110 of FIG. 1).

The virtual dock 203 may provide a virtual structure for removablymounting virtual gallery 201. The virtual dock 203 may include a firstsupport 214, a second support 216, a tether 225, and/or othercomponents. The first support 214 may be attached to second support 216at a right angle and/or other angle to provide a support structure onwhich virtual gallery 201 may be perceived to be placed. For example,first support 214 and second support 216 may form a type of easel onwhich virtual gallery 201 may be placed.

The virtual tether may include a first end 226 proximal to virtual dock203 and depicted as being attached to virtual dock 203, and a second end228 opposite of first end 226 and extending outward from virtual dock203. The second end 228 of tether 225 may be configured to be attachedto a reference point, such as one or more of a user, a point inthree-dimensional space, and/or other locations. By attaching tether 225to a reference point, the positioning of virtual dock 203 (and virtualgallery 201 mounted thereon), may be maintained at a fixed location foreasy access by a user. By attaching the tether 225 to the user, such asat the users waist, the positioning of virtual dock 203 (and virtualgallery 201 mounted thereon) may follow the movement of the user suchthat virtual dock 203 (and virtual gallery 201 mounted thereon) may bewithin reach of the user, even if they move around within theinteractive space.

FIG. 3 illustrates another view of virtual gallery 201 and one or morevirtual objects depicted as being held by virtual gallery 201. As shown,virtual gallery 201 may have a substantially rectangular shape. Thevirtual gallery 201 may comprise a frame 301 configured to provide astructural element for supporting the set of supports. Virtual gallery201 may be curved and/or may have other forms. The handle 230 may extendfrom a top portion of frame 301 and/or from other portions of frame 301.

FIG. 4 illustrates yet another view of virtual gallery 201. As shown,virtual gallery 201 may have a perceivable thickness, “T.” The curvatureof virtual gallery 201 is more pronounced in the illustration of FIG. 4.

Returning to FIG. 1, individual distancing devices of one or moredistancing devices 120 may be configured to generate output signalsconveying position information and/or other information. The positioninformation may include positions of one or more surfaces of one or morereal-world objects within a real-world environment. In someimplementations, a position of a surface may be expressed as one or moreof distance from an individual distancing device, an angle fromreference line (e.g., a horizontal line), and/or other information. Byway of non-limiting illustration, a position may be represented as avector having vector components. In some implementations, one or moredistancing devices 120 may include one or more of a camera, athree-dimensional scanner, a depth sensor or depth camera, arangefinder, a laser gauge, a time-of-flight sensor, an IRcamera/emitter pair, a passive, structured, or unstructured light stereopair, and/or other devices. In some implementations, sensor output of anindividual distancing device may comprise a point cloud and/or otheroutput. A point cloud may include a set of points that may lie onsurfaces of real-world objects within a range of the distancing device,and/or other sensor output.

In some implementations, a distancing device may comprise a camera.Output of the camera may comprise information defining images ofreal-world objects. Position information including position of thereal-world object in the images may be determined through one or moreobject recognition, position triangulation, and/or other image-basedtechniques.

The one or more physical processors 104 may be configured bymachine-readable instructions 106. Executing machine-readableinstructions 106 may cause one or more physical processors 104 tofacilitate providing views of virtual content in an interactive space.The machine-readable instructions 106 may include one or more of acontrol component 108, an input component 110, a mode component 112,and/or other components.

In some implementations, control component 108 may be configured tocontrol one or more components of system 100. In some implementations,control component 108 may be configured to control individual lightsources of one or more light sources 122, and/or other components. Insome implementations, control of individual light sources of one or morelight sources 122 may include one or more of control of light generationand/or emission in accordance with instances of virtual content to begenerated and presented in an interactive space, control of position ofindividual light sources of one or more light sources 122, and/or othertypes of control.

By way of non-limiting illustration, control component 108 may beconfigured to control a first light source of one or more light sources122 to generate images forming views of virtual content. The views ofthe virtual content may be generated such that the virtual content maybe perceived within a three-dimensional light field within a user'sfield-of-view. The control component 108 may be configured to controlthe first light source and/or other light sources to generate an imageforming a view of an instance of a virtual gallery having a set ofsupports, and/or other virtual content. The control component 108 may beconfigured to control the first light source and/or other light sourcesto generate an image forming a view of an instance of a first virtualobject to be perceived as being removably attached to a first support inthe set of supports of the virtual gallery.

The input component 110 may be configured to obtain user input formanipulating virtual content in an interactive space. The user input maycomprise gesture based input and/or other input. In someimplementations, user input may be derived from one or more of sensoroutput of one or more distancing device 120, sensor output from one ormore other sensors, and/or other sources. By way of non-limitingillustration, input component 110 may be configured to detect and/orrecognize one or more real-world objects based on sensor output from oneor more distancing devices 120 and/or other sources. A real-world objectthat may be recognized may include, for example, a human hand. One ormore real-world objects may be recognized based on one or more pointclouds having points lying on one or more surface of the one or morereal-world objects. By way of non-limiting illustration, a point cloudhaving a shape of a human hand may be recognized as a human hand.

In some implementations, input component 110 may be configured toidentify gestures and/or actions being performed by one or morereal-world objects. A gesture and/or action may include one or more ofreaching, grabbing, releasing, swiping, pinching, pulling, throwing,pointing, and/or other gestures and/or actions of real-world objects. Byway of non-limiting illustration, input component 110 may utilize one ormore gesture recognition techniques to identify one or more gesturesand/or actions being performed by one or more real-world objects. Theinput component 110 may be configured to provide one or more identifiedgestures and/or actions as user input for manipulating virtual contentin an interactive space.

By way of non-limiting illustration, input component 110 may beconfigured to obtain user input comprising gesture-based input formanipulating a virtual gallery in an interactive space. A virtualgallery may be manipulated based on one or more of a gesture of grabbingthe handle of the virtual gallery, a gesture of holding the handle ofthe virtual gallery, changing positional state of the virtual gallerywhile the handle is in a held state, positioning the virtual gallery ona virtual dock, a gesture of releasing the handle of the virtual galleryfrom a held state, and/or other input.

Input component 110 may be configured to obtain user input comprisinggesture-based input for manipulating one or more virtual objects. Avirtual object may be manipulated based on one or more of a gesture ofgrabbing the virtual object, a gesture of holding the virtual object,changing positional state of the virtual object while the virtual objectis in a held state, a gesture of releasing the virtual object from aheld state, a gesture of throwing the virtual object, and/or otherinput.

In some implementations, input component 110 may be configured todetermine an amount of simulated “force” a user may be applying to avirtual object and/or virtual gallery. In some implementations, forcemay be determined based on one or more of a speed at which a gesture maybe performed, a velocity at which a gesture may be performed, anacceleration at which a gesture may be performed, and/or otherinformation. By way of non-limiting illustration, the faster a usermoves their hand while holding a virtual object, the greater a simulatedforce may be determined to be applied to the virtual object.

In some implementations, positions of one or more features of a hand maybe determined through one or more iterations including operations ofdetermining estimated positions of individual features from estimatedpositions of other ones of the features. Such an iterative procedure maybe performed as output from a distancing device may be obtained. Theoutput may be obtained based on a sampling rate of a distancing device.

In some implementations, an estimated position of a first feature may bedetermined from position information and/or other information. In aniteration, an estimated position of a second feature may be determinedfrom the estimated position of the first feature. An estimated positionof a set of features may be determined from the estimated position ofthe second feature. Another estimated position of the first feature maybe determined from the estimated position of the set of features. Anestimated position of the set of features may include a set of positionswherein individual positions in the set of positions correspond toindividual features in the set of features. The estimated positions ofthe first feature may be compared to determine a difference betweenthose positions.

Based on the difference being equal to or below a threshold distance,the positions of one or more of the first feature, second feature, setof features, and/or other features may be specified by the correspondingestimated featured positions used in the current iteration. Thethreshold distance may be within a range of 1 to 10 millimeters, and/orother ranges.

Based on the difference being equal to or above a threshold distance,one or more further iterations may be performed. At an iteration where adifference in estimated positions of the first feature may be below athreshold distance, the positions of one or more features may bespecified by the estimated positions of the one or more features used inthat iteration.

By way of non-limiting illustration, given a position of a first featureof a hand, a position of a second feature may be determined based on oneor more of a range of distances from the position of the first featurethat may be anatomically possible to correspond to the position of thesecond feature, one or more directions from the position of the firstfeature that may be anatomically possible to point to the position ofthe second feature, and/or other information. By way of non-limitingillustration, given a position of a wrist of a hand, a position of athumb may be determined based on one or more of a range of distancesfrom the wrist position that may be anatomically possible to correspondto the position of the thumb, one or more directions from the positionof the wrist that may be anatomically possible to point to the positionof the thumb, and/or other information.

In some implementations, mode component 112 may be configured todetermine individual operational modes of individual virtual galleries.In some implementations, an operational mode of a virtual gallery maycorrespond to enablement or disablement of a feature of removableattachment of individual virtual object to individual supports of thevirtual gallery. In some implementations, individual operational modesof individual virtual galleries may be determined based on positionalstate of the individual virtual galleries.

By way of non-limiting example, in a first operational mode of a virtualgallery, removable attachment of individual virtual objects toindividual supports of the virtual gallery may be enabled. In the firstoperational mode of a virtual gallery, attachment and/or detachment ofindividual virtual objects to individual supports of the virtual gallerymay be accomplished by one or more techniques presented herein.

By way of non-limiting example, in a second operational mode of avirtual gallery, removable attachment of individual virtual objects toindividual supports of the individual virtual gallery may be disabled.In the second operational mode of a virtual gallery, an individualvirtual object that may be attached to an individual support may appearas being “locked” to the individual support. By way of non-limitingillustration, in the second operational mode, an individual virtualobject that may be attached to an individual support may be unable to bedetached from the individual support (e.g., until a change inoperational mode occurs). In the second operational mode, an individualvirtual object may be unable to be attached to an individual support. Byway of non-limiting illustration, in the second operational mode, anindividual virtual object may not achieve an attached state with anindividual support even if the individual virtual object contacts theindividual support and/or comes within a threshold distance from theindividual support.

In some implementations, individual operational modes of an individualvirtual gallery may correspond to individual positional states of theindividual virtual gallery and/or other information. In someimplementations, a positional state of a virtual gallery may correspondto a perceived position of the virtual gallery with respect to a user.By way of non-limiting illustration, a virtual gallery perceived to bepositioned at a first location with respect to a user (e.g., engaged toa dock at eye level with the user) may correspond to a first operationalmode of the virtual gallery. By way of non-limiting illustration, avirtual gallery perceived to be positioned at a second location withrespect to a user (e.g., being “placed” on the ground) may correspond toa second operational mode of the virtual gallery.

FIG. 5 illustrates an exemplary configuration of virtual content withrespect to a user 502 in an interactive space, in accordance with one ormore implementations of system 100 (FIG. 1) presented herein. The user502 may be wearing an HMD 504 and/or other components. The HMD 504 mayinclude one or more components of system 100 (FIG. 1) to facilitateproviding views of virtual content in the interactive space. The virtualcontent may include one or more of virtual gallery 201, virtual dock203, first virtual object 218, second virtual object 220, and/or othervirtual content. The virtual gallery 201 may include a set of supportsand/or other components. The set of supports may include first support202 and/or other supports. The first virtual object 218, second virtualobject 220, and/or other virtual objects may be depicted as being heldby first support 202. For illustrative purposes, first virtual object218 may comprise single-instance type virtual object, and second virtualobject 220 may comprise a multi-instance type virtual object.

In some implementations, virtual gallery 201 may be adjustable in one orboth of positional state and/or rotational state. By way of non-limitingillustration, a user may provide input (e.g., gesture-based input and/orother input) to change one or both of a positional state and/orrotational state of virtual gallery 201. In some implementations,changing positional state may facilitate changing between operationalmodes of virtual gallery 201. As shown, virtual gallery 201 may bemounted to virtual dock 203. The tether 225 may be mounted to areference point (e.g., user 502) such that the perceived relativeposition of the virtual gallery 201 and/or virtual dock 203 with respectto user 502 may be maintained should the user move about the interactivespace.

FIG. 6 illustrates another configuration of virtual content with respectto user 502 in the interactive space. In particular, FIG. 6 illustratesan interaction of user 502 with second virtual object 220. User 502 mayprovide input (e.g., a gesture input such as “grabbing,” “holding,”and/or other input) to remove second virtual object 220 from firstsupport 202. When second virtual object 220 is of the multi-instancetype virtual object, the user input to remove second virtual object 220may result in an associated virtual object 602 being generated andappearing as being “removed” from second virtual object 220. Theassociated virtual object 602 may comprise a new instance of secondvirtual object 220. The second virtual object 220 may persist in itsattachment to first support 202. The user 502 may perceive themselves asholding on to associated virtual object 602 in three-dimensional spacewithin their field-of-view. For illustrative purposes, the arm of user502 is shown in a rested position to their side.

FIG. 7 illustrates another configuration of virtual content with respectto user 502 in an interactive space. In particular, input by user 502 tograb virtual object 602 (FIG. 6) may allow user 502 to place virtualobject 602 in three-dimensional space within their field-of-view byproviding second input (e.g., a gesture input such as “releasing” a“hold” on virtual object 602, and/or other input). The second input mayfacilitate effectuating display of one or more additional associatedvirtual objects. For example, by releasing virtual object 602 (FIG. 6)in three-dimensional space within their field-of-view, a view of an yetanother associated virtual object 702 may be generated. The virtualobject 702 may be generated to be perceived in three-dimensional spacein the users field-of-view at or near the position of release of virtualobject 602 (FIG. 6).

In some implementations, virtual object 602 (FIG. 6) may be associatedwith an application program (e.g., a web browser and/or otherapplication program). The application program may also be associatedwith the virtual object 702. The virtual object 702 may comprise aplanar virtual object that may provide an interface to the applicationprogram. A state of the application program may persist with the virtualobject 702 and/or virtual object 602 (FIG. 6). For example, the user 502may perform a gesture of grabbing virtual object 702. The gesture ofgrabbing virtual object 702 may cause the virtual object 602 (FIG. 6) toreappear, and virtual object 702 may disappear. A state of theapplication program based on user interaction with virtual object 702(e.g., loading a web page) may persist with virtual object 602 (FIG. 6).

FIG. 8 illustrates another exemplary configuration of virtual contentwith respect to user 502 in the interactive space. In particular, FIG. 8illustrates an interaction of user 502 with first virtual object 218.The user 502 may provide input (e.g., a gesture input such as“grabbing,” “holding,” and/or other input) to remove first virtualobject 218 from first support 202. When first virtual object 218 is ofthe single-instance type virtual object, the user input to remove firstvirtual object 218 may result in the instance of first virtual object218 being removed from first support 202. The first virtual object 218may be manipulated by the user to change its positional state within theusers field-of-view. The user 502 may perceive themselves as holding onto first virtual object 218 in three-dimensional space within theirfield-of-view.

FIG. 9 illustrates another configuration of virtual content with respectto user 502 in an interactive space. In particular, input by user 502 tograb first virtual object 218 (FIG. 8) may allow user 502 to place firstvirtual object 218 in three-dimensional space within their field-of-viewby providing second input (e.g., a gesture input such as “releasing” the“grab” on first virtual object 218, “throwing” first virtual object 218,and/or other input). The change in positional state of first virtualobject 218 may facilitate effectuating display of one or more associatedvirtual objects. For example, when first virtual object 218 (FIG. 8)achieves a threshold positional state (e.g., an arm's length away fromuser 502 and/or other position) in three-dimensional space, anassociated virtual object 902 may be generated. The associated virtualobject 902 may be generated to be perceived in three-dimensional spacein the users field-of-view at or near the position of release of thefirst virtual object 218 (FIG. 8).

Returning to FIG. 1, processor(s) 104, one or more distancing device120, one or more light sources 122, one or more optical elements 124,external resource(s) 126, and/or other components of system 100 may beoperatively linked via one or more electronic communication links. Forexample, such electronic communication links may be established, atleast in part, via network(s) 116. Network(s) 116 may comprise one orboth of wired and/or wireless communications. It will be appreciatedthat this is not intended to be limiting and that the scope of thisdisclosure includes implementations in which processor(s) 104, one ormore distancing device 120, one or more light sources 122, one or moreoptical elements 124, external resource(s) 126, and/or other componentsof system 100 may be operatively linked via some other communicationmedia.

The external resource(s) 126 may include sources of information, hosts,external entities participating with system 100, providers of virtualcontent, and/or other resources. In some implementations, some or all ofthe functionality attributed herein to external resource(s) 126 may beprovided by resources included in system 100.

The processor(s) 104 may include and/or have access to electronicstorage 114, and/or other components. The processor(s) 104 may includecommunication lines or ports to enable the exchange of information withnetwork(s) 116, electronic storage 114, and/or other components ofsystem 100. Illustration of processor(s) 104 in FIG. 1 is not intendedto be limiting. The processor(s) 104 may include a plurality ofhardware, software, and/or firmware components operating together toprovide the functionality attributed herein to processor(s) 104. Forexample, processor(s) 104 may be implemented by a cloud of computingplatforms operating together as processor(s) 104.

Electronic storage 114 may comprise electronic storage media thatelectronically stores information. The electronic storage media ofelectronic storage 114 may include one or both of system storage that isprovided integrally (i.e., substantially non-removable) withprocessor(s) 104 and/or removable storage that is removably connectableto processor(s) 104 via, for example, a port or a drive. A port mayinclude a USB port, a firewire port, and/or other port. A drive mayinclude a disk drive and/or other drive. Electronic storage 114 mayinclude one or more of optically readable storage media (e.g., opticaldisks, etc.), magnetically readable storage media (e.g., magnetic tape,magnetic hard drive, floppy drive, etc.), electrical charge-basedstorage media (e.g., EEPROM, RAM, etc.), solid-state storage media(e.g., flash drive, etc.), and/or other electronically readable storagemedia. The electronic storage 114 may include one or more virtualstorage resources (e.g., cloud storage, a virtual private network,and/or other virtual storage resources). Electronic storage 114 maystore software algorithms, information determined by processor(s) 104,information received from other components of system 100, and/or otherinformation that enables processor(s) 104 to function as describedherein.

Processor(s) 104 is configured to provide information-processingcapabilities. As such, processor(s) 104 may include one or more of aphysical processor, a digital processor, an analog processor, a digitalcircuit designed to process information, an analog circuit designed toprocess information, a state machine, and/or other mechanisms forelectronically processing information. Although processor(s) 104 isshown in FIG. 1 as a single entity, this is for illustrative purposesonly. In some implementations, processor(s) 104 may include one or moreprocessing units. These processing units may be physically locatedwithin the same device, or processor(s) 104 may represent processingfunctionality of a plurality of devices operating in coordination.

The processor 104 may be configured to execute components 108, 110,and/or 112. Processor(s) 104 may be configured to execute components108, 110, and/or 112 by software; hardware; firmware; some combinationof software, hardware, and/or firmware; and/or other mechanisms forconfiguring processing capabilities on processor(s) 104.

It should be appreciated that although components 108, 110, and/or 112are illustrated in FIG. 1 as being co-located within a single processingunit, in implementations in which processor(s) 104 includes multipleprocessing units, one or more of components 108, 110, and/or 112 may belocated remotely from the other components. The description of thefunctionality provided by the different components 108, 110, and/or 112described above is for illustrative purposes and is not intended to belimiting, as any of components 108, 110, and/or 112 may provide more orless functionality than is described. For example, one or more ofcomponents 108, 110, and/or 112 may be eliminated, and some or all ofits functionality may be provided by other ones of components 108, 110,112, and/or other components. As another example, processor(s) 104 maybe configured to execute one or more additional components that mayperform some or all of the functionality attributed to one of components108, 110, and/or 112.

FIG. 11 illustrates a method 1100 of providing views of virtual contentin an interactive space, in accordance with one or more implementations.The operations of method 1100 presented below are intended to beillustrative. In some implementations, method 1100 may be accomplishedwith one or more additional operations not described, and/or without oneor more of the operations discussed. Additionally, the order in whichthe operations of method 1100 are illustrated in FIG. 11 and describedbelow is not intended to be limiting.

In some implementations, method 1100 may be implemented in a computersystem comprising one or more of non-transitory electronic storagestoring machine-readable instructions, one or more processing devices(e.g., a physical processor, a digital processor, an analog processor, adigital circuit designed to process information, an analog circuitdesigned to process information, a state machine, and/or othermechanisms for electronically processing information), one or more lightsources, one or more distancing devices, one or more optical elements,and/or other components. The one or more processing devices may includeone or more devices executing some or all of the operations of method1100 in response to instructions stored electronically on electronicstorage medium. The one or more processing devices may include one ormore devices configured through hardware, firmware, and/or software tobe specifically designed for execution of one or more of the operationsof method 1100.

At an operation 1102, light may be emitted to form images of virtualcontent. In some implementations, operation 1102 may be performed usingone or more light sources the same as or similar to one or more lightsources 122 (shown in FIG. 1 and described herein).

At an operation 1104, the light may be provided to an eye of a user suchthat the images of the virtual content may be superimposed over views ofa real-world environment to create the interactive space. In someimplementations, operation 1104 may be performed using one or moreoptical elements the same as or similar to one or more optical elements124 (shown in FIG. 1 and described herein).

At an operation 1106, virtual content information and/or otherinformation may be obtained. The virtual content information may definevirtual content. The virtual content may include one or more of one ormore virtual galleries, one or more virtual docks, one or more virtualobjects, and/or other virtual content. A virtual gallery may comprise aset of supports and/or other components. Individual supports positionedat discrete locations on the virtual gallery. The virtual gallery may beconfigured to simulate removable engagement of individual virtualobjects to individual supports. In some implementations, operation 1106may be performed by non-transitory electronic storage the same orsimilar to non-transitory electronic storage 114 (shown in FIG. 1 anddescribed herein).

At an operation 1108, the emission of the light may be controlled togenerate the images of the virtual content. The virtual content may beperceived by the user as being present in the real-world environment. Byway of non-limiting illustration, the emission of the light may becontrolled to generate an image of an instance of the virtual gallery.By way of non-limiting illustration, the emission of the light may becontrolled to generate an image of an instance of a first virtual objectto be perceived as being removably attached to a first support in theset of supports. In some implementations, operation 1108 may beperformed by one or more physical processors executing a controlcomponent the same as or similar to control component 108 (shown in FIG.1 and described herein).

Although the disclosed technology has been described in detail for thepurpose of illustration based on what is currently considered to be themost practical and preferred implementations, it is to be understoodthat such detail is solely for that purpose and that the disclosure isnot limited to any particular implementations, but, on the contrary, isintended to cover modifications and equivalent arrangements that arewithin the spirit and scope of the appended claims. For example, it isto be understood that the present disclosure contemplates that, to theextent possible, one or more features of any embodiment can be combinedwith one or more features of any other embodiment.

What is claimed is:
 1. A system configured to provide views of virtualcontent in an interactive space, the system comprising: a light sourceconfigured to emit light forming images of virtual content; an opticalelement, the optical element being configured to provide the lightemitted from the light source to an eye of a user such that the imagesof the virtual content are superimposed over views of a real-worldenvironment to create the interactive space; non-transitory electronicstorage storing virtual content information, the virtual contentinformation defining virtual content, the virtual content including: avirtual gallery, the virtual gallery comprising a set of supports,individual supports being positioned at discrete locations on thevirtual gallery, the virtual gallery being configured to simulateremovable engagement of individual virtual objects to the individualsupports; and one or more physical processors configured bymachine-readable instructions to: control the light source to generatethe images forming the virtual content, the virtual content beingperceived by the user as being present in the real-world environment,such that the light source is controlled to: generate an image of aninstance of the virtual gallery; and generate an image of an instance ofa first virtual object to be perceived as being removably attached to afirst support in the set of supports; obtain a first user input forremoval of the first virtual object from the first support to generate achance in positional state of the individual instance of the firstvirtual object; and generate an image of an associated virtual object ina field of view of the user in the interactive space in response toobtaining a second user input directed to the removed individualinstance of the first virtual object having the change in positionalstate.
 2. The system of claim 1, wherein the first and second userinputs comprise gesture-based inputs.
 3. The system of claim 1, whereinthe individual virtual objects are of an individual virtual object type,wherein the virtual object types include a single-instance type and amulti-instance type; wherein removal of an instance of an individualvirtual object of a single-instance type from an attachment with anindividual support facilitates change in positional state of theindividual instance of the individual virtual object; and whereinremoval of an instance of an individual virtual object of amulti-instance type from an attachment with an individual support causesthe instance of the individual virtual object to maintain the attachmentwith the individual support and another instance of the individualvirtual object to be generated, such that changes in positional state ofthe other instance of the individual virtual object is facilitated. 4.The system of claim 1, wherein the individual virtual objects areassociated with individual application programs.
 5. The system of claim4, wherein an individual virtual object associated with an individualapplication program provides an interface to the individual applicationprogram.
 6. The system of claim 5, wherein a state of an individualapplication program associated with an individual virtual objectpersists with the individual virtual object.
 7. The system of claim 1,further comprising a distancing device, the distancing device beingconfigured to generate output signals conveying positions of one or moresurfaces of one or more real-world objects.
 8. The system of claim 1,wherein the virtual content further includes: a virtual dock, thevirtual gallery being configured to mount upon the virtual dock.
 9. Thesystem of claim 8, wherein the virtual dock includes a tether, thetether having a distal end configured to be removably attached to areference point within the interactive space.
 10. The system of claim 1,wherein the image of the associated virtual object in a field of view ofthe user in the interactive space generated by the one or more physicalprocessors in response to the obtained second user input of a release ofthe removed individual instance of the first virtual object at alocation of at least a threshold positional state.
 11. The system ofclaim 10, wherein the threshold positional state is a distance relativeto the user in the interactive space.
 12. A method to provide views ofvirtual content in an interactive space, the method comprising: emittinglight to form images of virtual content; providing the light to an eyeof a user such that the images of the virtual content are superimposedover views of a real-world environment to create the interactive space;obtaining virtual content information, the virtual content informationdefining virtual content, the virtual content including: a virtualgallery, the virtual gallery comprising a set of supports, individualsupports being positioned at discrete locations on the virtual gallery,the virtual gallery being configured to simulate removable engagement ofindividual virtual objects to the individual supports; and controllingthe emission of the light to generate the images of the virtual content,the virtual content being perceived by the user as being present in thereal-world environment, including controlling the emission of the lightto: generate an image of an instance of the virtual gallery; andgenerate an image of an instance of a first virtual object to beperceived as being removably attached to a first support in the set ofsupports; obtaining a first user input for removal of the first virtualobject from the first support to generate a change in positional stateof the individual instance of the first virtual object; and generatingan image of an associated virtual object in a field of view of the userin the interactive space in response to obtaining a second user inputdirected to the removed individual instance of the first virtual objecthaving the change in positional state.
 13. The method of claim 12,wherein the first and second user inputs comprise gesture-based inputs.14. The method of claim 12, wherein the individual virtual objects areof an individual virtual object type, wherein the virtual object typesinclude a single-instance type and a multi-instance type; whereinremoval of an instance of an individual virtual object of asingle-instance type from an attachment with an individual supportfacilitates change in positional state of the individual instance of theindividual virtual object; and wherein removal of an instance of anindividual virtual object of a multi-instance type from an attachmentwith an individual support causes the instance of the individual virtualobject to maintain the attachment with the individual support andanother instance of the individual virtual object to be generated, suchthat changes in positional state of the other instance of the individualvirtual object is facilitated.
 15. The method of claim 12, wherein theindividual virtual objects are associated with individual applicationprograms.
 16. The method of claim 15, wherein an individual virtualobject associated with an individual application program provides aninterface to the individual application program.
 17. The method of claim16, wherein a state of an individual application program associated withan individual virtual object persists with the individual virtualobject.
 18. The method of claim 12, further comprising a distancingdevice, the distancing device being configured to generate outputsignals conveying positions of one or more surfaces of one or morereal-world objects.
 19. The method of claim 12, wherein the virtualcontent further includes: a virtual dock, the virtual gallery beingconfigured to mount upon the virtual dock.
 20. The method of claim 19,wherein the virtual dock includes a tether, the tether having a distalend configured to be removably attached to a reference point within theinteractive space.
 21. The method of claim 12, wherein the image of theassociated virtual object in a field of view of the user in theinteractive space is generated in response to the obtained second userinput of a release of the removed individual instance of the firstvirtual object at a location of at least a threshold positional state.22. The method of claim 21, wherein the threshold positional state is adistance relative to the user in the interactive space.